Sonoma State University vs. UC Merced

Comparable Facts

Compare Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, CA with University of California Merced in Merced, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of California Merced is larger than Sonoma State University based on total student enrollment (9,110 students vs. 5,891 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Sonoma State University is located in Rohnert Park, CA (Large Suburban setting); University of California Merced is in Merced, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Sonoma State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of California Merced is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Sonoma State University 17:1; University of California Merced 20:1.

Sonoma State University vs. UC Merced Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Sonoma State University or UC Merced? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of California Merced than Sonoma State University ($13,690 vs. $14,614).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Sonoma State University are 21.7% lower than at University of California Merced ($16,802 vs. $21,445).
• University of California Merced is 81.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Sonoma State University (about $6,999 more per year; $15,623.00 vs. $8,624.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 134.7% higher at UC Merced than at Sonoma State University (about $28,599 more per year; $49,823.00 vs. $21,224.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of California Merced than at Sonoma State University (89% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of California Merced students is 200.1% larger than aid received by Sonoma State University students ($27,292 vs. $9,094).

Sonoma State University vs. UC Merced Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Sonoma State University or UC Merced? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between UC Merced and Sonoma State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Sonoma State University (1050) is the same as at UC Merced (1050).
• Incoming UC Merced students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Sonoma State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Sonoma State University 950/1150; University of California Merced 960/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Sonoma State University 17/23; University of California Merced 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Sonoma State University - Test-free; UC Merced - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: UC Merced Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman UC Merced students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.55) than students at Sonoma State University (3.4).
• Sonoma State University has a higher acceptance rate (93.4%) than UC Merced (90.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.3% at Sonoma State University vs. 7.2% at UC Merced.

Sonoma State University vs. UC Merced Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Sonoma State University and UC Merced? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of California Merced's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than Sonoma State University's (57%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Sonoma State University graduates have a $2,399 lower median loan debt than UC Merced graduates ($17,500 vs. $19,899).
• Among borrowers, Sonoma State University graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UC Merced graduates ($180 vs. $205).
• More Sonoma State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UC Merced students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 64%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.